Junior Giants rally sends simple message: 'You can be great'

STOCKTON - Seconds before former major-league pitcher Noah Lowry was introduced as a guest speaker for a Junior Giants rally at the Stribley Community Center, the former first-round draft pick of the San Francisco Giants looked out over the audience and uttered, "That's so cool."

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By Kevin Niendorf

recordnet.com

By Kevin Niendorf

Posted Aug. 9, 2014 at 12:01 AM

By Kevin Niendorf

Posted Aug. 9, 2014 at 12:01 AM

» Social News

STOCKTON - Seconds before former major-league pitcher Noah Lowry was introduced as a guest speaker for a Junior Giants rally at the Stribley Community Center, the former first-round draft pick of the San Francisco Giants looked out over the audience and uttered, "That's so cool."

The estimated crowd of 400, including many participants of the Junior Giants baseball program in Stockton, likely were thinking the same thing when Lowry entered the gym to cheers typically reserved for rock stars.

Lowry's message was simple for the young players gathered around him Friday on the gymnasium floor, encouraging them to try as hard as they can in life and to always give it their best shot.

"Each and every one of you has the ability to be great," said Lowry, sporting the No. 51 jersey he wore during the 2003-2007 seasons. "I started out as a kid like you, and anything you set your mind to is possible."

At the conclusion of his speech, Lowry promised to stay and autograph every baseball, program or memento, and hundreds darted to form a line. Upon his arrival in Stockton, following a traffic-delayed, 5-hour drive from Sonoma County, Lowry confided that he relished the opportunity to meet the kids.

"I have two children of my own, and nothing is greater than seeing the pure joy of a child," Lowry said. "It's priceless, just priceless."

Earlier, Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones led the gathering in a "pledge to strike out bullying," complete with an upraised arm, as if being sworn into the police force.

"We all know what bullying looks like, and we can't be a silent observer when we see it," Jones said. "It's really about doing the right thing, but that's not always easy to do."

Jones gave way to a few officers from his department's K-9 Unit, which thrilled onlookers young and old with staged exercises aimed at stopping criminals in the act.

Delta College baseball coach Reed Peters brought eight players along with him to visit with youngsters, who stood in a long line seeking autographs.

"If we can do anything to help the youth of Stockton, and particularly with baseball, we're all about that," said Peters, whose Little League District 8 champion team finished fifth in the nation after falling to Orange Coast in the state championship. "Maybe someday one of these kids will come back and play for us."

Incoming freshman Alex Dentoni, a pitcher from Tokay High, said Delta's community outreach efforts were something he considered prior to committing to the Mustangs.

"Doing some volunteering is always a good thing to do, and I think it's cool Delta does a lot with the community," said Dentoni, who played in the Morada Little League. "I remember when I was their age and how I wanted to be like (college players) one day."

Jorge Solorio brought sons Fabio, 7, and Jorge, 10, with him to the rally, saying the league has treated his boys well for ears.

"It's a very good program, and I'm impressed with the way they keep up the ballparks and of all the equipment they have," Solorio said. "And before the season, they give the players a food chart so they can eat healthy. They also give them a reading chart for over the summer, and they can win prizes. It keeps them active and busy."